Four killed in Meerut building collapse following cylinder blast

Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), May 22 (ANI): Panic spread in the Kotwali neighbourhood of Uttar Pradesh's Meerut city after the roof of a building collapsed following a cylinder blast on Friday.

Scores of local residents with the aid of the authorities swung into action and carried out the rescue operations.

They helped the trapped members of the families residing in the building to come out.

Reportedly, the figure of casualties was four.

"There was a loud sound and it became dusty after that. There was a fear of fire spreading to nearby buildings. We informed the fire brigade authorities. They came within five to 10 minutes.The incident is very heart wrenching," said Shaheed Aklakh, a former legislator.

At least five tenders were rushed to the spot to extinguish the flames.

"We have taken out three people which includes, one baby, a girl and a boy. I cannot tell you about their condition, we have rushed them to the hospital," said Chandra Pradesh Singh, Magistrate, Meerut. (ANI)